7 Steps to Keep Your Hardwood Floors Looking Great

Whether you recently installed new hardwood flooring or you’re caring for hardwood floors in a new home for the first time, you’ll want to keep them looking great long term. Today wood floors receive the benefit of advances in stains and finishes that not only beautify wood, but help protect flooring against damage, too. Taking just a few simple steps can ensure your hardwood floors stay beautiful for as long as you own your home.

1. Do not use waxes and other products designed for sheet vinyl or tile floors on hardwood.

Use only professional grade cleaning products to clean your hardwood floors, and use them only periodically. Using the wrong products on wood flooring will result in a dull appearance and can create a hazard due to slipperiness.

2. Avoid over-waxing hardwood floors.

Buffing is a better alterative than frequent waxing for polishing up a dull hardwood floor.

3. Use a broom or safe bare floor vacuum to clean.

Using a wet mop on hardwood floors can result in a dull finish, and standing water can result in discoloration and even damage to wood flooring. Handle spills on your hardwood floors with a damp towel rather than a wet mop, and clean them up immediately.
 
4. Protect floors against damage from high heels and sports shoes.

Walking across hardwood floors with cleats or high heels can cause scratches or dents and may even result in permanent damage.

5. Never slide heavy furniture across hardwood floors.

Sliding anything heavy across wood can scratch or dent your flooring. Always pick furniture up during moving to protect your floors from damage.

6. Use glides under furniture to protect floors from damage.

Soft plastic or fabric glides will prevent furniture legs from denting or scratching hardwood floors.

7. Use area rugs to protect hardwood floors.

Place area rugs at the entrances of your home to help prevent scratches from dirt or other debris attached to the bottom of shoes. If you have hardwood floors in your kitchen, use an area rug in front of the sink to avoid water damage.